City of Derry triathlon gets National series status

Local Olympic triathlete Aileen Reid (centre) is looking forward to taking part in the 2015 firmus energy City of Derry triathlon, diary permitting

Published:19:34Thursday 15 January 2015

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Following two hugely successful events, it was announced that the 2015 firmus energy City of Derry triathlon has been granted National Series status and the race on June 14 will now form part of the official triathlon calendar.

Organised by the North West Triathlon Club (NWTC) and supported once again by natural gas company, firmus energy, it is anticipated that following this award, there will be an unprecedented demand to secure a place in the third City of Derry event and organisers are delighted with the boost.

Paul McGilloway, Race Director at NWTC explained: “To be recognised by our governing body, Triathlon Ireland and to be awarded with National Series status for the firmus energy City of Derry triathlon, puts the icing on what is already a fantastic event.

“To further enhance this year’s triathlon, we will also be hosting the All Ireland Club Championship which will add to the competiveness! More details on this will be released over the coming weeks so watch this space.”

He added: “Already around 500 people have taken part each year in the race but we expect that the 2015 event will be even more popular.

“A National Series race will attract higher levels of professional athletes as well as novices who want have a go against the best in the sport.”

Angeline Murphy from Firmus Energy added: “We have supported the event from its inception in 2013 and are delighted to be involved once again. The award of National Series is testament to the standard of the triathlon so we commend the NWTC for their dedication, making it one of the best organised and respected triathlons on the island in such a short time frame. We look forward to building on the success of the previous two years.”

The firmus energy triathlon, which will be held on Sunday, June 14, will comprise a 750m open water swim in the River Foyle followed by a 20km closed road cycle culminating in a 5km flat run that takes in key attractions around the City including the iconic Peace Bridge.

Local Olympic triathlete, Aileen Reid, who ranks seventh in the world for women’s triathlon, was back in her home town recently to take part in the North West Cross Country Championships.

Commenting on the National Series announcement, she said: “This is a great boost for the NWTC and for the firmus energy City Of Derry triathlon. All being well, I am looking forward to taking part in this marvellous event once again.

“Even in the bad weather of 2013 it was a great experience to race at home but it will all depend on the International Triathlon Union calendar – I hope I can make it.”